Looking into F-350 Dually maybe SRW diesel to put a nearly two ton camper on. I'd like something 2000 or newer and under 100k miles was wondering if there were years to avoid or certain things to be aware of or look out for?

Ultimately one of the 2017 new design would be nice just not in the cards at the moment as I just need something to bridge the gap for a couple years hopefully.

 

1999-2004 trucks are leaf sprung up front
2005-2007 are coil sprung up front
2008-2016 are coil sprung also, but more advanced

basically it all boils down to what creature comforts that you want. 1999-2007 trucks are great trucks, but they lack all the bells/whistles. 2008+ trucks are basically great big cars with all the features they have.

1999-2004 trucks have a crappier turning radius than later models. Their biggest downfall is the 4R100 transmission. 2005+ trucks have a much more advanced transmission that literally "makes the truck" in my eyes. It drives so much better.

Anyways, any 1999-current truck is great. Old of course, but still good. I personally would shoot for a 2008 or newer. I like my creature comforts

 

4R100 went out with the 7.3. 2003 and on 6.0 use the 5R110

The only bad truck is the one that hasn't been maintained, they all have good and bad points.

 

<p>Everything everyone else already said, except one thing: Stay away from the first or second year of the 6.0 ('03-'04), unless it's had a lot of work done to it already <img alt="Evil Grin" src="https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/images/smilies2/evilgrin0007.gif" style="height:19px; width:21px" title="Evil Grin" /></p><p>(I now put on my fire-proof suit, and run for the door)</p>

 

if you can spring the cash...start with the 2009's.

the 2008's had an engine feature change mid year....some have normal spark plug threads...some have the 3 thread problem (black vs brown boot, 1 vs 2 piece spark plug, etc)

brakes rotors got larger in 07, rims went to 17". also rims changes from round holes to square ones.

04 and prior are 8X170 lug, 05 and later are 8X200 lug

what every one else said about coils vs shakles and the like.

 

stay away from 2003 early build as well as 2008 early build and 2011 early build unless they have not had any issues or issues has been fixed. you would like a 6.0 because they are strong and get the best mpg of all of them! my 2006 f250 gets 20mpg empty if you stay under 70 and truck has 373 gears. my king ranch is a beast but it has a 430 gears and mpg drops to 15-16 empty but it is stout!
the 05-07 i like the changes that was done, they are stronger

 

No

All 1999-2016 F-250/350 have the 8x170 bolt pattern
F-450+ models have different bolt patterns...depending on year

99-02 models had course thread studs, later models have fine thread studs...but the wheels will interchange from any year. Backspacing will be different from 99-04 and 05+ models due to axle changes

 

Also, avoid 1999 V10s. Low power output (275HP rated, but closer to 180HP at the wheels) combined with the spark plug issues plaguing early 6.8L/5.4L engines make it somewhat undesirable. Later PI headed V10s had better HP (305), but were still affected by the spark plug thread issues. The 3v V10s were rated at 365HP and were a very capable pulling engine, even with the lack of fuel efficiency.

7.3L, while reliable for the most part, are getting up there in mileage, and IMHO, are under powered. Sintered metal connecting rods make things difficult when upgrading.

Honestly, all 6.0s are hit and miss. Early or late, they all have engineering issues that take a few dollars and a bit of your time to remedy, but when corrected, the engine can last a lifetime. I've put about $1200 into mine and haven't had a single hiccup since. EGR cooler delete, ELC coolant, head studs/gaskets, 5w40 synthetic oil, a good clean oil cooler and a coolant filter setup makes things more reliable.

I can't comment much on the 6.4L. I have had more of these trucks brought to me with thousands of dollars worth of damage than any other. IMHO, do not buy one of these.

6.7L. Seems reliable, haven't had a single one in my shop, but that doesn't mean anything as most are still covered under warranty. I've heard of a couple of horror stories but that goes with any diesel truck.

 

this!!!!! my 04 f350 crew cab dually (long bed) has THE WORST turning radius. it makes my 2001 excursion feel like im in a jeep wrangler! u turns in my dually are non existent unless theres 4 lanes of road going each way and no cars in sight. lol

 

<p></p><p>Your Excursion and your F350 have the same front-end. Of course, a newer coil-spring front-end F350 DRW would be better than your existing F350 </p><p>&nbsp;</p>

 

Yea but i can only imagine its harder due to the 350 being a good 2.5 feet longer than the excursion. Because Uturns in the Excursion are doable. They aren't in the f350 unless like i said i have 3 or 4 lanes on each side to work with.

 

Wow, you guys really came through. Thanks for the wealth of info.

I test drove a 2016 F-350 CC Lariat. The last full size I drove (have a Tacoma since new in 2003) was a 1990 F-150. I am blown away at the shear power and comfort of the 350. The comfort too, and did I mention the comfort. Holy moly. It was super quite inside with all the electronic gadgetry to keep a Google geek entertained and the ride wasn't jarring as I thought it would be.

Anyway, a super quick search on Truck Trader revealed I am looking at 2009 and newer to keep it under roughly 100,000 miles when purchasing. Still in the $40k range. Maybe I'll buy new, lol.

I am nearly sold on the new bad boys. Wow. 2017 any one?!?!

Thanks again for the info!!!

 

<p></p><p>Oh, absolutely, I was trying to make a point that the year had nothing to do with it </p><p>&nbsp;</p>

 

Oh ok, gotcha. Thought you were maybe saying something was wrong with my f350 and i was about to start investigating parts to replace to get my turning radius back. Lol!

 

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